I am a mom of two kids: a 6-year-old daughter, and an 8-month-old son. When our son was born and while I was on maternity leave, my husband and I decided not to continue daycare due to budget, so he and I switch off - I work part-time in the morning, and he works 3-11 pm Monday through Friday. Therefore, I am usually with the kids each night, and I try to keep my daughter somewhat active after school, otherwise I have an overly energetic child driven up the walls. Keeping her active has also been good for her brother and me, as it gets me out talking to others, networking and sharing ideas. And, besides, I am learning to enjoy time with my little princess.

Last night my daughter was watching "Mary Poppins," and I hadn't seen it in 20 years so to watch it again was quite refreshing. I read somewhere that the undertones of the story had to do with England upper class tolerating the lower class, finding out how to coexist happily. To me, I saw the movie as an ever-consistent lesson on positivity. Take Bert vs. Mr. Banks, for instance: Bert is always cheerful and helpful no matter the consequence. Mr. Banks is the opposite: grumpy and actually quite selfish/inconsiderate, but feels he must keep this persona in order to support his family and employees. When Mr. Banks gets the dreaded call from his boss, then sinks into his chair after all the chimney sweeps have left, it is Bert who helps Mr. Banks put things into perspective, that while a stable income is important, it is also important to remember the kids, the wife, the housekeeps, the nanny--remember that they too have feelings and should not be shut out. For one day it will be too late.

Many ways I related to Mr. Banks. The rat race, the day-in-day-outs, stressful moments in life always got to me and when our second child was born, I made a commitment to keep things into perspective. I learned that we must enjoy the life we have...now! We must spend time with our kids and other loved ones...now!

In closing, I reiterate that there's nothing wrong with saving up for the future, just keep in mind the opportunities we have in front of us today, opportunities we can never get back if we wait.